The Echo iPhone app shows you a history of how you’ve used the device — each request. I took a stab at tallying and what we use it for, to make a simple chart. I haven’t made time to finish that, and I don’t think I will. But, my family’s number one use: to ask what the weather is going to be. Hence my colorful phrase “It’s a weather machine”. It’s biggest rival, curiously (other than our iPhones and iPads)? The Apple Watch – now the weather is on my wrist.

Oh, and the “Don’t make me repeat myself” line? Well, it’s called the Echo.